Player Ratings: ’Immense presence’; ‘Superb’

AUSTRALIA did it the hard way but they did it and that's all that matters.

On a night when there were heroes across the board, none stood taller than the skipper Mile Jedinak.

But there were no bad players on the park and a true team performance delivered the Socceroos to their fourth successive World Cup campaign.

Here is how they rated.

MAT RYAN - 7

Hardly had anything to do all night - an indication of how much the Socceroos dominated possession - but when called on, Ryan did the job as well as he ever does.

BAILEY WRIGHT - 7

Not overly stretched, but never looked flustered.

TRENT SAINSBURY - 8

His presence at the back grows more important with each game. Another stellar performance from Sainsbury, who forms part of the spine of the team.

MATTHEW JURMAN - 7

Nicest bloke off the field, crunching tackler on it. Fortunate to get away with just a booking early in the game, but that didn't take the aggression out of his performance.

AZIZ BEHICH - 7

Combined well with Mooy in attack. And he had to with Leckie taking his time to get into the game.

MILE JEDINAK - 10

In the starting lineup as much for his experience as his playing ability - and both were vital. Shielded the back three superbly, took the free kick that resulted in a goal and stepped up to take the penalty. An immense presence.

MARK MILLIGAN - 7

The Socceroos benefited from his return and with Jedinak playing as sweeper, Milligan was able to get a bit more forward.

AARON MOOY - 8

Not surprisingly Mooy was the architect of the Socceroos attack and showed some superb awareness.

MATHEW LECKIE - 7

Leckie didn't bring the freshness early on that most had hoped he would having missed out on the first leg. Struggled to get into the game.

TIM CAHILL - 7

Hustled his way all over the park with no sign of any ankle niggle, but we didn't see the best of him in the box largely because there just wasn't adequate service to him.

TOM ROGIC - 7

Had the best chance of the first half, but his tame effort was hit straight at the keeper. Improved in the second half, winning the free kick with a powerful run that resulted in a goal for the Socceroos.

TOMI JURIC - 6

Replaced Tim Cahill in the 65th minute, but didn't have many chances.

ROBBIE KRUSE - 6

Came on for Tom Rogic in the 77nd but, like Juric, didn't have much time to make an impact.